Scaling and Root Planing

After Scaling and Root Planing, your gums will need time to heal. This page lists some instructions that will help promote healing and normal processes that you may experience.

Salt Water Rinse Rinse with a warm saline solution, swish for one minute, then spit out the solution. Repeat this several times daily for 7 - 10 days. To make the saline solution, mix 1 teaspoon salt with 8 ounces of lukewarm water, and stir until the salt dissolves.

Cleaning Your Teeth
It is essential that you keep the teeth as clean as possible and bacteria-free after your visit to allow optimum healing. The root surfaces may be sensitive to cold and touch for several days or weeks, but this sensitivity will disappear with time and thorough home care. Brush your teeth thoroughly, but gently. If sensitivity persists for more than 1 - 2 weeks contact our office. Prescription fluoride may be dispensed as needed to reduce sensitivity.

Eating and Drinking
Numbness will remain in some areas for a few to several hours. Use caution when eating until numbness is gone to avoid injuring your lip or tongue. Drinking fluids may be difficult due to loss of feeling. Eat soft foods today, chewing on the side of the mouth opposite the treated site. Try to avoid extreme heat and cold, for it may cause sensitivity to the teeth.

Medication for Discomfort
It is normally sufficient to take Ibuprofen or Tylenol for post-operative discomfort. Don’t take aspirin, as it may increase bleeding and impair healing time. If Motrin is dispensed, you should take it as prescribed.

What to Avoid
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption for 24 to 48 hours. Popcorn, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds should be avoided for the duration of treatment.

Bleeding
Slight bleeding is natural at this stage of healing (during the first 48 hours). Don’t let it alarm you. Should bleeding increase, apply pressure with gauze or a tea bag for 3 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop call our office.

Vitamins
It is advisable to take Vitamin C to aid in the healing and repair of your gum tissue. We recommend that you take Ester C, 1-3 times daily.